Carnival Cruise Line

Dining Options

One thing’s for certain on a Carnival cruise: you won’t go hungry! There’s a staggering array of choices onboard their massive ships, starting with the main restaurants. These offer sit-down service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and children’s menus are also on hand. Should you get a craving in the evening, late-night snacks are served in the Good Eats restaurant. You’ll find pretty much every type of cuisine on offer, whether you’re in the mood for sushi or Italian. Here’s just a small assortment of what’s available:

• Emeril's Bistro 1396 - Mardi Gras sets sail with Emeril Lagasse’s first-ever restaurant at sea: Emeril’s Bistro 1396™. Everybody knows about Emeril’s love for Creole cuisine. Sharing his hometown favourites with the world is his life’s work — and now you’ll enjoy the authentic bayou flavours and fun that New Orleans is known for on your cruise.
• Chibang! - Carnival Cruises have brought together Chinese and Mexican cuisines into one menu so you can enjoy a little from each side by mixing, matching and sharing in an evening of flavor explorations.
• Bonsai Teppanyaki – Teppanyaki™ experience is set to delight guests first aboard Carnival Horizon^®The experience begins with a curated selection of traditional tastes, followed by a choice of tempting appetizers before your chef expertly prepares the main course, which features selections like filet mignon, grilled tofu or a seriously impressive array of fish, shrimp and lobster.
• Ji Ji Asian – Open for lunch and dinner, this contemporary Asian menu serves stir-fry favourites with seafood, meat, and noodle dishes to tempt your appetite.
• The Steakhouse – This relaxed restaurant offers traditional steakhouse fare in elegant surroundings.
• Cucina del Capitano – Are you craving pizza, pasta and tiramisu? You’ll find all your favourites from Italy here.
• BlueIguana Cantina – From breakfast burritos to dinner tacos, enjoy the flavours of Mexico at this fresh cantina. Tortillas are made right in front of you with the tortilla press.
• Guys Burger Joint – Carnival has a partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and he has helped create a range of different eateries to enjoy onboard. The Burger Joint serves all-American patties straight off the grill, or you can venture to Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse for down-home classics like baby back ribs and mac and cheese.

Drinks Packages

CHEERS! Drinks Package 

Included: 

• All spirits, domestic and imported beer, wine and sparkling wine by the glass, hand-crafted cocktails and frozen cocktails with top-shelf brands such as Grey Goose, Patrón and Hennessy at a value of up to $20 AUD per drink.
• Soft drinks, frozen mocktails, energy drinks, packaged water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages.
• Packaged Water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants.
• 25% off selected spirits or wines outside of the program.
• 25% off beverage seminars and classes.
• 25% off bottles of wine in Nouveau restaurant.

Entertainment

Carnival cruises are known for their party atmosphere, so you can expect plenty of entertainment. Check out the ‘Fun Times’ newsletter for a look at what’s on each day, including nightlife, dining options and children’s events. The festivities commence as soon as you set sail, with the Sail Away Party including DJ-led music and dancing. Additional theme parties take place throughout the cruise, ranging from the Captain’s Toast Celebration to Mega Deck Parties and 80s theme nights. 

Make sure you book your ride onboard Bolt, the fastest and first, rollercoaster at sea! Strap in and zoom your motorcycle-style speed machine around an open-air course high, high above sea level. Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views!

Forget other coasters because this all-electric thrill ride puts you in the driver’s seat. That means you actually get to control how fast you go, so hit the gas and try for the fastest time, go for the biggest thrill — plus some amazing 360° ocean views!

Aboard Mardi Gras make sure you visit the Fortune Teller bar. Fortune Teller’s talented bartenders would be pleased to conjure up cocktail recipes like the all-black New Moon, the changes-color-before-your-eyes Abracadabra, plus the Golden Galaxy… this drink is actually made with a bit of authentic gold.

Amenities and Activities

From ping pong to dodgeball, there’s an activity to suit every leisure preference you might have! Onboard games include shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, bocce ball, and mini golf, not to mention the jogging track. Get ready to soar above the crowds on the SkyRide suspended course; or test your limits on the SkyCourse Ropes Course. Naturally there’s plenty of pools and waterslides to choose from as well to cool down after a bit of fun in the sun. Demonstrations and classes liven up the deck, from cooking demonstrations to ice carving and ballroom dancing. Pick up some new knowledge to impress your friends back home.

• Family Activities

Carnival specialises in family fun, so you can expect a full range of activities to keep little ones (and not-so-little ones) occupied. Kids clubs offer age-targeted activities, with teens getting their own digital play area and party time. The Seuss at Sea program is a must for all Dr Seuss fans! This unique partnership brings the timeless children’s stories to life, with everything from arts and crafts to character breakfasts serving green eggs and ham.

• Spa and Fitness

A Carnival cruise is an epic vacation, so treat yourself to indulgent beauty treatments and luxurious spa therapies. Facials, manicures, pedicures, and therapy wraps are just the beginning of what’s on offer at the soothing Cloud 9 Spa! If you’re ready to work up a sweat, visit the Fitness Centre where you can take part in group classes like Pilates, Yoga, Stretch, and Body Conditioning among others.

Service Charges

Gratuities are customary but left up to your discretion. The cruise line advises tipping $12.95 per person, per day if you’re staying in a standard stateroom or $13.95 if you’re staying in a suite. You can choose to prepay these if you like! An automatic 15% service charge is also added to all beverage purchases.

Dress Code

During the day, dress for comfort to enjoy the array of activities on the deck and onshore. In the evenings, a ‘Cruise Casual’ code applies except for the occasional ‘Cruise Elegant’ dress code for special occasions.

Cruise Casual boils down to sport slacks, khakis or jeans with collared polo shirts for men, and summer dresses or smart casual outfits for women. You can wear your fancier outfits on Cruise Elegant nights, with cocktail dresses, elegant separates and evening gowns for ladies and dress suits and ties for men.